On June 27, Rakuten Group released “Rakuten Group 2023 Summer Trend Forecast,” which analyzes various purchasing data and predicts trends for this summer.
A survey of 10,000 Rakuten users on how they plan to spend their time this summer revealed that “domestic travel” was the most popular choice at 20.9%, with one in five respondents planning it, followed by “fireworks, gourmet (eating delicious food)” at 13.0% and “returning home” at 12.7%. On the other hand, high demand for indoor activities such as “watching video streaming services” (7.8%) and “reading books” (6.7%) were also confirmed.
Based on the results of the survey and recent purchase and reservation data, the company announced trending keywords for each of the four genres: merchandise sales, travel/leisure, entertainment, and mobile. In the travel/leisure category, “dispersed travel” and “retreat travel” were cited.
Ms. Shiori Higuchi, PR Promotion Office, Rakuten Group Rakuten Travel, introduced that bookings in July and August are about 1.3 times higher than in 2019. She then explained the two key words she mentioned as keywords: “diversified travel” and “retreat travel.
According to him, an examination of July-August reservation trends by date shows that reservations for consecutive holidays are approximately 1.2 times higher than in 2019, while reservations for other dates are approximately 1.3 times higher, confirming a trend toward date dispersion. In addition, there was a trend toward a dispersion of destinations as well.
The company attributes this “decentralization” to the fact that travel styles have become more diverse as people have continued to avoid congestion and that they can save money by avoiding peak travel times.
In addition, compared to 2019, the number of reservations for domestic tours with airline tickets and express buses has increased by approximately 1.2 times and 1.3 times, respectively, while reservations for Ishigaki Island and other remote island areas have increased by approximately 1.6 times and those for luxury accommodations have increased by approximately 1.6 times, indicating that as society gradually returns to pre-colonial conditions, there is a trend toward choosing destinations and accommodations that are suitable for “retreat travel” in which visitors are seeking an unusual and relaxing environment The report points out that as society gradually returns to pre-Corona times, there is a trend toward choosing destinations and accommodations suitable for “retreat travel” in search of an extraordinary and relaxing environment.
Mr. Higuchi introduced three prefectures recommended for such retreat travel. Shiga Prefecture, recommended for women’s travel, Miyazaki Prefecture, recommended for couples, and Fukushima Prefecture, recommended for a relaxing trip, offered their best points of interest.
In addition, the goods sales section also revealed a recovery trend in demand related to going out and traveling, with folding umbrellas growing 1.7 times, ladies’ hats 1.3 times, suitcases 2.2 times, and neck pillows 1.6 times compared to the previous year.
© Source travel watch